Friday, November 25, 2016

Mum

My friends, I hope your Thanksgiving was happy and cozy and lovely. And that you made wonderful memories with your people. Today, I am asking for your prayers. My mother-in-law, Steve's dear mother, is nearing the end of her days here with us. I ask for your prayers for her as she begins her journey to her Heavenly Reward. I ask them also for all those loved ones she will leave behind. I also want to tell you about this wonderful woman who raised the man I love...the woman who I am thankful to have known and loved for almost thirty years. Her name is Flo. We call her Mum.

This is Mum.

With the love of her life, Steve's father Ron.

And again. Years later, still so much in love.

Mum is a wonderful example of womanhood. She is humble, devout, generous, faithful, and kind.

These are some of the things I will remember about her for as long as I live...

Mum loves her family.

She raised seven of the most amazing children ever.

( I am partial to the youngest, of course.)

They never fight. Ever. Many of them work together, and are each other's best friends.

They all have the most caring hearts and amazing manners.

I am thankful to be a part of this family that Mum began.

Mum made the best mashed potatoes ever. I have never been able to replicate them. So I quit trying. Enter Hungry Jack. But her mashed potatoes were always so white, and light, and fluffy.

With just a sprinkle of pepper for color.

Mum also made the most amazing meatloaf. In a little aluminum pan. The same pan every time.

Again. Not able to replicate. So Steve tries. His best.

Mum was the best ironer in the world. She made clothes look better than a dry cleaner. She taught me how to shake my clothes before putting them into the dryer so they wouldn't wrinkle as much. And when I was young and working, she came to my house and happily did my ironing for me.

Mum was happiest when she was caring for others. She took pride in preparing a good meal every night for her husband and family. She shared her lasagna recipe with me, and it remains one of our favorite meals. She also taught me that cantaloupe can be served at every meal in the summer, and leftovers go great into old Cool Whip bowls.

Mum liked pink lipstick and liked to have her nails painted. Again...mostly pink. She was always cold riding in the front seat when Steve's Dad drove, and always pulled a sweater over herself. Just like I do. She brought Wheat Thin crackers and bananas on road trips, and loved to take drives to look at the leaves in the fall. Just like I do.

Mum taught me the beauty of being content. And of being humble. Despite the fact that she had the means to live a very extravagant life, she didn't. Rather, she lived a life of beautiful simplicity. She thought of others long before she thought of herself.

Mum loves to pray the rosary. She loves her faith. She loves her Bible. She is ready to go. Her body is tired. But her spirit is strong. We went to visit with her Thanksgiving afternoon. We knew it may be the last time we would be with her. She smiled. She talked. She told us she loved us. Despite our efforts, we started to cry. And Mum told us no tears. She looked beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. As if her body knew her soul had someplace very special to be.

Madison and Nicolas with Mum last Christmas.

She is wearing a sparkly blue sweater we got for her. : )

Visiting with Mum last spring...

Thank you my friends, for remembering this special woman in your prayers. I admire her so much. And I am forever grateful to her for raising the man I love. The man who is the most amazing father to our children. Steve is the baby of her seven. There are five years between him and his older brother Todd. Every year on Steve's birthday, I call her and tell her thank you. Thank you for having that one more! And every year she laughs.

21 comments:

Dearest Billie Jo please know you and yours are in my prayers at this tender time. May Our Lord give you strength, love and comfort and to His handmaiden Flo.You are always in my prayer for thanksgiving for your family blog that gives me hope in difficult and good times.Sending you love and hugs.Thank you for sharing a beautiful tribute and example for everyday living.

Oh I'm just sobbing as I read this Billie Jo. Beautifully written Friend.

So much about this reminds me of my Gram and the special ladies these folks are when walking this earth...and the hole they leave when they go. My heart hurts for you all because I know that pain of saying good-bye. But I know she is going beyond pain and time and our earthly world. Someone as wonderful as her will be entering that kingdom dancing and singing and with nothing but pure joy in her soul. Sending loving prayers for her smooth journey and prayers of strength to all of you as you face these days ahead.

I just found your blog tonight. I am smiling through the tears as I read this lovely journey you shared with Mum. It truley blessed me and my heart and prayers go out to you and your family at the same time. May God draw close to you and your family at this time. I pray for strength and the peace that passes all understanding and great grace for you and your family.In Him,Patti

What a lovely tribute to your MIL. I will keep your whole family in my thoughts & prayers. Reminds me of losing my grandma 4 years ago at the age of 94 and how comforted I felt knowing she was in Heaven with Jesus (exactly where she wanted to be!)

Oh, what a lovely post. I couldn't hold back the tears. What a blessing people like Mum are to this world, and an inspiration to our lives. God bless her and I will keep her in my prayers. What a blessing your family has to have her. Hugs. Juli

I came here looking for your noodle dish you posted a few years ago...Tears....tears. I am so very sorry. I will be praying for all of you. I share her love for the rosary so will be praying for her with my favorite prayer. ((hugs)) What a beautiful post you wrote...thank you for sharing her with us!

Oh Billie Jo, I am just reading this now (Sunday night). I am so very sorry and I will be praying for Mum and your family. She sounds like a wonderful sweet woman who was a blessing to this Earth. I pray for her comfort during this time and that you, Steve, and all your family find peace. Sending prayers, love, and a big hug just for you ♥

Oh Billie Jo, I am reading this Very Early Tuesday Morning though teary eyes. What a beautiful post for Mum. She sounds like a wonderful Person. Will keep her and all her loved ones in my prayers. hugs to you my friend.

Hi. I'm Billie Jo...A wife and homeschooling mom who likes her coffee in the morning and in the afternoon too. I watch too much reality tv, eat too many sweets, and take way too many selfies. I am blessed. And life is good.